Olympus TG-3 vs Sony A390: The Ultimate Hands-On Camera Comparison for Every Photography Style

Choosing your next camera can sometimes feel like picking between apples and, well, underwater oranges. The Olympus Tough TG-3 and the Sony Alpha A390 occupy wildly different corners of the camera world. Yet, both have earned dedicated followings thanks to their unique strengths. Over the years, I’ve tested thousands of cameras across genres - from rugged fieldwork to fine art portraits - and settling on the right tool demands more than spec sheets. Let’s untangle what truly matters in practical use, juxtaposing these two models for enthusiasts and pros alike.

Introduction: Rugged Compact vs Entry-Level DSLR - Polar Opposites?

Released four years apart and targeting different photographers, the Olympus TG-3 is a waterproof compact designed for adventure. The Sony A390 is an entry-level DSLR built to introduce enthusiasts to interchangeable lenses and more manual control. Right off the bat, size and ergonomics set them apart: the TG-3 is pocket-friendly and heavily ruggedized, while the A390 is bulkier - a classic DSLR silhouette with a distinct handgrip and pentamirror viewfinder.

These fundamental differences frame every subsequent aspect: sensor technology, autofocus capabilities, shooting modes, and more. Let’s start by examining image quality, the heartbeat of every camera.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart vs The Brawn

The Olympus TG-3 is armed with a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor delivering 16 megapixels. This is a compact-sensor typical for tough rugged cameras, prioritizing durability and versatility over sheer image excellence. Meanwhile, the Sony A390 features a far larger APS-C sized CCD sensor at 14 megapixels. While CCD sensors have largely been supplanted by CMOS due to power efficiency and faster readout, Sony’s CCD still offers admirable color depth and dynamic range at this tier.

Context matters here: The sensor size difference – roughly ten times the area of TG-3’s sensor – impacts detail resolution, low light noise, and dynamic range performance.

Real-World Image Quality

Shooting portraits or landscapes under good light, the TG-3’s images can be surprisingly usable - aided by a fast f/2.0 lens at the wide end (25mm equivalent) and in-body sensor-shift image stabilization. However, push it beyond ISO 800, and noise creeps in aggressively. Shadows and highlights compress quickly, as expected from the smaller sensor canvas.

The Sony A390, on the other hand, captures images with smoother gradations and richer tonality - thanks notably to its larger APS-C sensor and 14-bit RAW support absent in the TG-3. The ability to shoot RAW is a game-changer here; post-processing latitude for exposure correction and white balance is markedly superior.

If your priority is image quality - especially for large prints or critical assignments - the Sony’s sensor and RAW workflow capability win hands-down.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Precision vs Practicality

When it comes to autofocus, these two cameras take different approaches consistent with their categories.

The Olympus TG-3 employs contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking modes. This provides reasonable accuracy for stationary subjects and light action, but the smaller sensor and compact lens limit speed. Continuous AF and burst shooting top out at a respectable 5 fps.

The Sony A390 features a 9-point phase-detection AF system - a staple in DSLRs - which delivers faster, more decisive focus locks, especially for moving subjects. However, its burst rate is capped at a modest 3 fps, reflecting the DSLR’s aging processor generation.

Real-World Use

In wildlife or sports scenarios requiring fast autofocus and critical tracking, the Sony’s phase-detection system is superior - though the modest frame rate limits capturing rapid sequences.

The Olympus’ contrast AF and quick startup times make it handy for casual shooting or underwater adventures where autofocus precision compounds with challenging conditions. For macro, the TG-3’s close focusing down to 1cm is a distinct advantage.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Form Follows Function

Trying to operate the TG-3 and A390 side-by-side is a study in design philosophies. Olympus packs the TG-3 with large, rubberized buttons and a deeply textured handgrip optimized for slippery or gloved fingers - crucial in cold or wet environments. The fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k dots is bright but not touch-enabled.

Sony’s A390 offers a 2.7-inch tilting LCD with 230k resolution, which, while lower in pixels, does the job with live view. However, the optical pentamirror viewfinder delivers a classic DSLR shooting experience with 95% coverage - something the TG-3 has no equivalent for.

Sony’s DSLR controls provide granular shutter, aperture priority, and manual modes, complete with a mode dial and two control wheels. The TG-3 simplifies operation considerably, with limited manual control but aperture priority and manual exposure modes available - a respectable surprise in a rugged compact.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Lens vs The Power of Choice

One decisive difference: The Olympus TG-3 sports a fixed zoom lens spanning a 25-100mm equivalent range with a bright f/2.0 aperture at the wide end. The optics are solid for close-up and general shooting, and the macro mode impresses with 1cm focusing distance.

The Sony A390 embraces the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, granting access to over 140 lenses - from ultra-wide primes to super telephotos. This flexibility remains the strength of DSLRs, allowing photographers to tailor their gear to genres or artistic goals.

No contest in versatility here: for specialized disciplines such as portraiture or telephoto wildlife work, the Sony’s lens catalog is a massive advantage.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Adventure-Ready vs Studio Mainstay

Environmental sealing is where the Olympus TG-3 shines - literally built to take a beating underwater, shockproof to 2.1 m drops, freezeproof to -10°C, and crushproof up to 100kg. If your photography adventures include diving, hiking, or any rough terrain, this camera is practically invincible.

The Sony A390 sports a more traditional compact SLR body made from plastic and metal - solidly built but lacking dust, moisture, or shock sealing. It’s designed more for indoor or fair-weather outdoor shoots.

The TG-3 is purpose-built for photographers who go off the beaten path without compromising functionality.

Battery Life and Storage

The TG-3 offers approximately 330 shots per charge using the LI-92B battery, while the Sony A390 delivers around 230 shots with its NP-FH50. Olympus claims better battery endurance, which aligns with my experience - particularly since the TG-3’s power-hungry optical viewfinder is absent.

Both cameras use single SD card slots, but the Sony also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo if you want to get nostalgic. Notably, the TG-3 provides built-in GPS, aiding travel and adventure cataloging, a feature absent in the Sony.

Connectivity and Video: Limited Clips vs Casual Capture

Neither camera dazzles with modern wireless options. The TG-3 includes built-in Wi-Fi, allowing remote control via smartphone apps - a plus for underwater or tripod-bound shooting. The Sony A390 offers no wireless connectivity.

On video, the TG-3 records Full HD 1080p at 30fps with H.264 encoding - standard for a rugged compact. The Sony A390 surprisingly lacks video recording altogether; its 2010-era design focused fully on stills. This omission may seem archaic but emphasizes its entry-level DSLR roots at a time when video was optional.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Strengths

Balancing all factors, if we distill performance… Here’s where each camera truly shines based on extensive field use:

Portrait Photography

Sony A390: The larger APS-C sensor combined with RAW support, interchangeable lenses, and manual control results in superior portrait quality. Skin tones reproduce naturally, and dedicated portrait primes deliver creamy bokeh.
Olympus TG-3: Limited by fixed zoom and smaller sensor, but wide aperture aids low light. Eye detection AF helps capture sharp shots on the move.

Landscape Photography

Sony A390: Higher resolution and dynamic range afford more detailed and dramatic landscapes. However, lack of weather sealing requires care in adverse conditions.
Olympus TG-3: Weather sealed and shockproof, perfect for adventurous landscapes. Smaller sensor limits image quality but compensates with versatility and portability.

Wildlife & Sports

Sony A390: Advantageous phase-detection AF and lens support for telephoto capture fast action better. Burst rate modest but sufficient for beginner sports photography.
Olympus TG-3: Good AF tracking but limited zoom and sensor make it less suited for extensive telephoto work.

Street Photography

Olympus TG-3: Compact size, ruggedness, and relatively quiet operation make it less conspicuous. Convenient for low-light urban shooting thanks to f/2 aperture.
Sony A390: Bulkier presence and shutter noise less ideal for candid street shots.

Macro Photography

Olympus TG-3: The standout here with 1cm macro focusing capability and excellent image stabilization, a boon for detail lovers.
Sony A390: Capable but requires specialized close-up lenses, adding to kit.

Night & Astrophotography

Sony A390: Larger sensor and RAW files provide superior low-light performance. Longer exposure support and manual controls favor night shots.
Olympus TG-3: Limited ISO ceiling and sensor size constrain astro work potential.

Video & Travel

Olympus TG-3: Versatile video modes plus rugged construction make it ideal for travelers documenting adventures. Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi enhance connectivity.
Sony A390: No video capacity; less travel-friendly due to size and weather limits.

Making the Choice: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

Pick the Olympus TG-3 if:

• You crave ruggedness - waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof - for outdoor adventure, hiking, diving, or extreme conditions.
• You prioritize compact size and portability without lugging DSLRs and multiple lenses.
• You want decent all-in-one functionality with exceptionally close macro capabilities.
• Video capture and GPS tagging are important.
• You shoot casual landscapes, street, and travel photos with simplicity.

Choose the Sony A390 if:

• Image quality and dynamic range are paramount, especially for portraits, landscapes, and fine prints.
• You want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses for creative control.
• You prefer an optical viewfinder and a traditional DSLR shooting experience.
• You mainly shoot stills, possibly venturing into basic sports or wildlife photography.
• RAW file workflow and manual exposure precision matter to you.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Stories

In a world saturated with cameras, these two models encapsulate distinct photographic philosophies. The Olympus TG-3 is the tough, go-anywhere companion built for life at the edges - embracing practical features over pixel peeping. The Sony A390 invites a more considered approach, crafting images with a bigger sensor and interchangeable lenses, albeit with a dated design and no video capabilities.

When I tested these cameras in tandem, I found that their real differences shine brightest in the field - a splash in cold mountain streams for the TG-3 versus thoughtful portraits and landscapes on the Sony. Knowing your priorities will take you a long way: daredevil compact or classic DSLR? The choice is yours, but now armed with practical insights from someone who’s put both through the wringer.

Happy shooting!

Olympus TG 3 front Olympus TG 3 screen back Sony A390 screen back